Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the Schönbergalm lift station, report to the ticket window to get your cave appoint-
ment. Drop by the little free museum near the lift station—in a local-style wood cabin de-
signed to support 200 tons of snow—to see the cave-system model, exhibits about its ex-
ploration, and info about life in the caves. Then hike 10 minutes from the station up to the
cave entry. The temperature is just above freezing, and although the 700 steps help keep you
warm, you'll want to bring a sweater. The limestone caverns, carved by rushing water, are
named for scenes from Wagner's operas—the favorite of the mountaineers who first came
here. If you're nervous, note that the iron oxide covering the ceiling takes 5,000 years to
form. Things are very stable. Allow 1.5 hours total from the station.
Cost and Hours:
€27 includes cable car, various combo-tickets available (described
earlier), open May-late Oct, hour-long tours start at 9:20, last tour at 15:30, stay in front and
assert yourself to get English information, tel. 06131/50140.
While huge and well-promoted, these are much less interesting than the ice caves and—for
most—not worth the time. Of the 30-mile limestone labyrinth excavated so far, you'll walk
a half-mile with a German-speaking guide.
Cost and Hours:
€27 includes cable car, various combo-tickets available (described
earlier), open May-late Oct, hour-long tours in English and German 10:15-14:30, entrance a
10-minute hike from lift station.
If you're driving between Salzburg and Hallstatt, you'll pass two luge rides operated by the
same company (
www.rodelbahnen.at
)
. Each is a ski lift that drags you backward up the hill
as you sit on your go-cart. At the top, you ride the cart down the winding metal course. It's
easy: Push to go, pull to stop, take your hands off your stick and you get hurt.
Each course is just off the road with easy parking. The ride up and down takes about 15
minutes. The one in
Fuschl am See
(closest to Salzburg, look for
Sommerrodelbahn
sign) is
half as long and cheaper (1,970 ft). The one in
Strobl
near Wolfgangsee (look for
Riesens-
chutzbahn
sign) is a double course, and more scenic with grand lake views (4,265 ft, each
track is the same speed).
Cost and Hours:
Fuschl am See—4.30/ride, €30/10 rides, tel. 06226/8452;
Strobl—€6.40/ride, €45/10 rides, tel. 06137/7085; courses open May-Oct 10:00-18:00 but
generally close in bad weather.
